Performance of early risk assessment tools to predict the later development of gestational diabetes

Placental IGFBP1 levels during early pregnancy and the risk of insulin resistance and gestational diabetes

Reduced insulin sensitivity (insulin resistance) is a hallmark of normal physiology in late pregnancy and also underlies gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We conducted transcriptomic profiling of 434 human placentas and identified a positive association between insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 gene (IGFBP1) expression in the placenta and insulin sensitivity at ~26 weeks gestation. Circulating IGFBP1 protein levels rose over the course of pregnancy and declined postpartum, which, together with high gene expression levels in our placenta samples, suggests a placental or decidual source. Higher circulating IGFBP1 levels were associated with greater insulin sensitivity (lesser insulin resistance) at ~26 weeks gestation in the same cohort and in two additional pregnancy cohorts. In addition, low circulating IGFBP1 levels in early pregnancy predicted subsequent GDM diagnosis in two cohorts of pregnant women. These results implicate IGFBP1 in the glycemic physiology of pregnancy and suggest a role for placental IGFBP1 deficiency in GDM pathogenesis.

Maternal overweight and obesity and its association with metabolic changes and fetal overgrowth in the absence of gestational diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies indicated an association between fetal overgrowth and maternal obesity independent of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, the underlying mechanisms beyond this possible association are not completely understood. This study investigates metabolic changes and their association with fetal and neonatal biometry in overweight and obese mothers who remained normal glucose-tolerant during gestation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this prospective cohort study 893 women who did not develop GDM were categorized according to their pregestational body mass index (BMI): 570 were normal weight, 220 overweight and 103 obese. Study participants received a broad metabolic evaluation before 16 weeks and were followed up until delivery to assess glucose levels during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at mid-gestation as well as fetal biometry in ultrasound and pregnancy outcome data.

RESULTS

Increased maternal BMI was associated with an adverse metabolic profile at the beginning of pregnancy, including a lower degree of insulin sensitivity (as assessed by the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index) in overweight (mean difference: -2.4, 95% CI -2.9 to -1.9, p < 0.001) and obese (mean difference: -4.3, 95% CI -5.0 to -3.7, p < 0.001) vs normal weight women. Despite not fulfilling diagnosis criteria for GDM, overweight and obese mothers showed higher glucose levels at fasting and during the OGTT. Finally, we observed increased measures of fetal subcutaneous tissue thickness in ultrasound as well as higher proportions of large-for-gestational-age infants in overweight (18.9%, odds ratio [OR] 1.74, 95% CI 1.08-2.78, p = 0.021) and obese mothers (21.0%, OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.06-3.59, p = 0.027) vs normal weight controls (11.8%). The risk for large for gestational age was further determined by OGTT glucose (60 min: OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.21, p = 0.013; 120 min: OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02-1.27, P = 0.025, for the increase of 10 mg/dL) and maternal triglyceride concentrations (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.22, p = 0.036, for the increase of 20 mg/dL).

CONCLUSIONS

Mothers affected by overweight or obesity but not GDM had a higher risk for fetal overgrowth. An impaired metabolic milieu related to increased maternal BMI as well as higher glucose levels at mid-gestation may impact fetal overgrowth in women still in the range of normal glucose tolerance.

The impact of regional origin on the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus in a multiethnic European cohort

Introduction

Women with migration background present specific challenges related to risk stratification and care of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Therefore, this study aims to investigate the role of ethnic origin on the risk of developing GDM in a multiethnic European cohort.

Methods

Pregnant women were included at a median gestational age of 12.9 weeks and assigned to the geographical regions of origin: Caucasian Europe (n = 731), Middle East and North Africa countries (MENA, n = 195), Asia (n = 127) and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA, n = 48). At the time of recruitment maternal characteristics, glucometabolic parameters and dietary habits were assessed. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed in mid-gestation for GDM diagnosis.

Results

Mothers with Caucasian ancestry were older and had higher blood pressure and an adverse lipoprotein profile as compared to non-Caucasian mothers, whereas non-Caucasian women (especially those from MENA countries) had a higher BMI and were more insulin resistant. Moreover, we found distinct dietary habits. Non-Caucasian mothers, especially those from MENA and Asian countries, had increased incidence of GDM as compared to the Caucasian population (OR 1.87, 95%CI 1.40 to 2.52, p < 0.001). Early gestational fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity were consistent risk factors across different ethnic populations, however, pregestational BMI was of particular importance in Asian mothers.

Discussion

Prevalence of GDM was higher among women from MENA and Asian countries, who already showed adverse glucometabolic profiles at early gestation. Fasting glucose and early gestational insulin resistance (as well as higher BMI in women from Asia) were identified as important risk factors in Caucasian and non-Caucasian patients.

Placental RNA sequencing implicates IGFBP1 in insulin sensitivity during pregnancy and in gestational diabetes

Reduced insulin sensitivity (or greater insulin resistance) is a hallmark of normal physiology in late pregnancy and also underlies gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pathophysiology. We conducted transcriptomic profiling of 434 human placentas and identified a strong positive association between insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 gene (IGFBP1) expression in the placenta and insulin sensitivity at ~ 26 weeks' gestation. Circulating IGFBP1 protein levels rose over the course of pregnancy and declined postpartum, which together with high placental gene expression levels, suggests a placental source. Higher circulating IGFBP1 levels were strongly associated with greater insulin sensitivity (lesser insulin resistance) at ~ 26 weeks' gestation in the same cohort and two additional pregnancy cohorts. In addition, low circulating IGFBP1 levels in early pregnancy predicted subsequent GDM diagnosis in two cohorts. These results implicate IGFBP1 in the glycemic physiology of pregnancy and suggest a role for placental IGFBP1 deficiency in GDM pathogenesis.

Risk Estimation of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in the First Trimester

CONTEXT

There is no early, first-trimester risk estimation available to predict later (gestational week 24-28) gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); however, it would be beneficial to start an early treatment to prevent the development of complications.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify early, first-trimester prediction markers for GDM.

METHODS

The present case-control study is based on the study cohort of a Hungarian biobank containing biological samples and follow-up data from 2545 pregnant women. Oxidative-nitrative stress-related parameters, steroid hormone, and metabolite levels were measured in the serum/plasma samples collected at the end of the first trimester from 55 randomly selected control and 55 women who developed GDM later.

RESULTS

Pregnant women who developed GDM later during the pregnancy were older and had higher body mass index. The following parameters showed higher concentration in their serum/plasma samples: fructosamine, total antioxidant capacity, testosterone, cortisone, 21-deoxycortisol; soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, dihydrotestosterone, cortisol, and 11-deoxycorticosterone levels were lower. Analyzing these variables using a forward stepwise multivariate logistic regression model, we established a GDM prediction model with a specificity of 96.6% and sensitivity of 97.5% (included variables: fructosamine, cortisol, cortisone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, SuPAR).

CONCLUSION

Based on these measurements, we accurately predict the development of later-onset GDM (24th-28th weeks of pregnancy). Early risk estimation provides the opportunity for targeted prevention and the timely treatment of GDM. Prevention and slowing the progression of GDM result in a lower lifelong metabolic risk for both mother and offspring.

Predictive value of first-trimester GPR120 levels in gestational diabetes mellitus

Background

Early diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) reduces the risk of unfavorable perinatal and maternal consequences. Currently, there are no recognized biomarkers or clinical prediction models for use in clinical practice to diagnosing GDM during early pregnancy. The purpose of this research is to detect the serum G-protein coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) levels during early pregnancy and construct a model for predicting GDM.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was implemented at the Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University between November 2019 and November 2022. All clinical indicators were assessed at the Hospital Laboratory. GPR120 expression was measured in white blood cells through quantitative PCR. Thereafter, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis technique was employed for optimizing the selection of the variables, while the multivariate logistic regression technique was implemented for constructing the nomogram model to anticipate the risk of GDM. The calibration curve analysis, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis, and the decision curve analysis (DCA) were conducted for assessing the performance of the constructed nomogram.

Results

Herein, we included a total of 250 pregnant women (125 with GDM). The results showed that the GDM group showed significantly higher GPR120 expression levels in their first trimester compared to the normal pregnancy group (p < 0.05). LASSO and multivariate regression analyses were carried out to construct a GDM nomogram during the first trimester. The indicators used in the nomogram included fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, lipoproteins, and GPR120 levels. The nomogram exhibited good performance in the training (AUC 0.996, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.989-0.999) and validation sets (AUC=0.992) for predicting GDM. The Akaike Information Criterion of the nomogram was 37.961. The nomogram showed a cutoff value of 0.714 (sensitivity = 0.989; specificity = 0.977). The nomogram displayed good calibration and discrimination, while the DCA was conducted for validating the clinical applicability of the nomogram.

Conclusions

The patients in the GDM group showed a high GPR120 expression level during the first trimester. Therefore, GPR120 expression could be used as an effective biomarker for predicting the onset of GDM. The nomogram incorporating GPR120 levels in early pregnancy showed good predictive ability for the onset of GDM.

A Prediction Model of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Based on OGTT in Early Pregnancy: A Prospective Cohort Study

CONTEXT

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common obstetric complication. Although early intervention could prevent the development of GDM, there was no consensus on early identification for women at high risk of GDM.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a reliable prediction model of GDM in early pregnancy.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, between May 30, 2021, and August 13, 2022, a total of 721 women were included from Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Participants were asked to complete an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during gestational weeks 7 through 14 for early prediction of GDM, and at weeks 24 through 28 for GDM diagnosis. Using OGTT results and baseline characteristics, logistic regression analysis was used to construct the prediction model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, decision clinical analysis, and a nomogram were used for model performances assessment and visualization. Internal and external validation was performed to testify the stability of this model.

RESULTS

According to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria in early OGTT, the mean (SD) age was 30.5 ± 3.7 years in low-risk participants and 31.0 ± 3.9 years in high-risk participants. The area under ROC curve (AUC) of the existing criteria at weeks 7 through 14 varied from 0.705 to 0.724. Based on maternal age, prepregnancy body mass index, and results of early OGTT, the AUC of our prediction model was 0.8720, which was validated by both internal (AUC 0.8541) and external (AUC 0.8241) confirmation.

CONCLUSIONS

The existing diagnostic criteria were unsatisfactory for early prediction of GDM. By combining early OGTT, we provided an effective prediction model of GDM in the first trimester.

Clinical First-Trimester Prediction Models for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication that negatively impacts the health of both the mother and child. Early prediction of the risk of GDM may permit prompt and effective interventions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the study characteristics, methodological quality, and model performance of first-trimester prediction model studies for GDM.

METHODS

Five electronic databases, one clinical trial register, and gray literature were searched from the inception date to March 19, 2022. Studies developing or validating a first-trimester prediction model for GDM were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data according to an established checklist and assessed the risk of bias by the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST). We used a random-effects model to perform a quantitative meta-analysis of the predictive power of models that were externally validated at least three times.

RESULTS

We identified 43 model development studies, six model development and external validation studies, and five external validation-only studies. Body mass index, maternal age, and fasting plasma glucose were the most commonly included predictors across all models. Multiple estimates of performance measures were available for eight of the models. Summary estimates range from 0.68 to 0.78 (I² ranged from 0% to 97%).

CONCLUSION

Most studies were assessed as having a high overall risk of bias. Only eight prediction models for GDM have been externally validated at least three times. Future research needs to focus on updating and externally validating existing models.

[Gestational diabetes mellitus (Update 2023)]

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is defined as any degree of glucose intolerance with onset during pregnancy and is associated with increased feto-maternal morbidity as well as long-term complications in mothers and the offspring. Women detected to have diabetes early in pregnancy receive the diagnosis of overt, non-gestational, diabetes (glucose: fasting ≥ 126 mg/dl, spontaneous ≥ 200 mg/dl or HbA_1c ≥ 6.5% before 20 weeks of gestation). GDM is diagnosed by an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) or increased fasting glucose (≥ 92 mg/dl). Screening for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes at the first prenatal visit is recommended in women at increased risk (history of GDM/pre-diabetes; malformation, stillbirth, successive abortions or birth weight > 4500 g previously; obesity, metabolic syndrome, age > 35 years, vascular disease; clinical symptoms of diabetes (e.g. glucosuria) or ethnic origin with increased risk for GDM/T2DM (Arab, South- and Southeast Asian, Latin American)) using standard diagnostic criteria. Performance of the oGTT (120 min; 75 g glucose) may already be indicated in the first trimester in high-risk women but is mandatory between gestational week 24-28 in all pregnant women with previous non-pathological glucose metabolism. Following WHO recommendations, which are based on the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study, GDM is defined, if fasting venous plasma glucose is ≥ 92 mg/dl or 1 h ≥ 180 mg/dl or 2 h ≥ 153 mg/dl after glucose loading (international consensus criteria). In case of one pathological value a strict metabolic control is mandatory. After bariatric surgery we do not recommend to perform an oGTT due to risk of postprandial hypoglycemia. All women with GDM should receive nutritional counseling, be instructed in blood glucose self-monitoring and motivated to increase physical activity to moderate intensity levels-if not contraindicated (Evidence level A). If blood glucose levels cannot be maintained in the therapeutic range (fasting < 95 mg/dl and 1 h after meals < 140 mg/dl, Evidence level B) insulin therapy should be initiated as first choice (Evidence level A). Maternal and fetal monitoring is required in order to minimize maternal and fetal/neonatal morbidity and perinatal mortality. Regular obstetric examinations including ultrasound examinations are recommended (Evidence level A). Neonatal care of GDM offspring at high risk for hypoglycaemia includes blood glucose measurements after birth and if necessary appropriate intervention. Monitoring the development of the children and recommendation of healthy lifestyle are important issues to be tackled for the whole family. After delivery all women with GDM have to be reevaluated as to their glucose tolerance by a 75 g oGTT (WHO criteria) 4-12 weeks postpartum. Assessment of glucose parameters (fasting glucose, random glucose, HbA_1c or optimally oGTT) are recommended every 2-3 years in case of normal glucose tolerance. All women have to be instructed about their increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease at follow-up. Possible preventive meassures, in particular lifestyle changes as weight management and maintenance/increase of physical activity should be discussed (evidence level A).

New Developments, Challenges and Open Questions in Diagnosis and Treatment of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing alongside a rising maternal age at conception, an increasing number of people making unhealthy lifestyle choices and, especially, an increasing pregestational body weight [...].

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus—Recent Literature Review

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is defined as a state of hyperglycemia that is first recognized during pregnancy, is currently the most common medical complication in pregnancy. GDM affects approximately 15% of pregnancies worldwide, accounting for approximately 18 million births annually. Mothers with GDM are at risk of developing gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and termination of pregnancy via Caesarean section. In addition, GDM increases the risk of complications, including cardiovascular disease, obesity and impaired carbohydrate metabolism, leading to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in both the mother and infant. The increase in the incidence of GDM also leads to a significant economic burden and deserves greater attention and awareness. A deeper understanding of the risk factors and pathogenesis becomes a necessity, with particular emphasis on the influence of SARS-CoV-2 and diagnostics, as well as an effective treatment, which may reduce perinatal and metabolic complications. The primary treatments for GDM are diet and increased exercise. Insulin, glibenclamide and metformin can be used to intensify the treatment. This paper provides an overview of the latest reports on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of GDM based on the literature.

Commentary: Implications of SARS-Cov-2 infection for pregnancy with diabetes: achievements and open questions for feto-maternal medicine

SARS-Cov-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus 2) infection confers a non-negligible risk for younger pregnant women with diabetes, which is still less well investigated. This topic was recently addressed by a systematic scoping review in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, aiming to summarize the complex interaction between SARS-Cov-2 infection, pregnancy and diabetes. This commentary will summarize and discuss the main findings of this article and its implications for future research.

Putrescine as a Novel Biomarker of Maternal Serum in First Trimester for the Prediction of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Nested Case-Control Study

AIMS

Early identification of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) aims to reduce the risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Currently, no acknowledged biomarker has proven clinically useful for the accurate prediction of GDM. In this study, we tested whether serum putrescine level changed in the first trimester and could improve the prediction of GDM.

METHODS

This study is a nested case-control study conducted in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. We examined serum putrescine at 8-12 weeks pregnancy in 47 women with GDM and 47 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched normoglycaemic women. Anthropometric, clinical and laboratory variables were obtained during the same period. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to assess the discrimination and calibration of the prediction models.

RESULTS

Serum putrescine in the first trimester was significantly higher in women who later developed GDM. When using putrescine alone to predict the risk of GDM, the AUC of the nomogram was 0.904 (sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 83%, 95% CI=0.832-0.976, P<0.001). When combined with traditional risk factors (prepregnant BMI and fasting blood glucose), the AUC was 0.951 (sensitivity of 89.4% and specificity of 91.5%, 95% CI=0.906-0.995, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that GDM women had an elevated level of serum putrescine in the first trimester. Circulating putrescine may serve as a valuable predictive biomarker for GDM.